Using XML in PHP_PHP Tutorial

PHP includes optional XML extensions that support the Expat parser. XML related functions in PHP allow you to create a parser to process valid XML documents. If the Apache version you are using is after 1.3.7, you do not need to add any function libraries. All that is required is to configure PHP using --with-xml.

The PHP manual has several good examples of creating PHP-based XML parsers. Additionally, New Riders' Web Application Development with PHP 4.0 has a good overview of using XML in PHP, and one of the authors of that book has written numerous guides on Zend.com.

Like support for Java and COM, PHP's support for XML is still in its rapidly developing infancy. If you already have experience with Expat or LibXML, you can use your expertise to skip some content.

Julie Meloni is the technical director of i2i Interactive and a strong promoter of the Linux and open source communities. She has written numerous books on PHP and other technologies, and is a long-time contributing expert to CNET Builder.com.